Communications: electrical – Audible indication – Pneumatic-type sound producer
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-03
2001-09-25
Lieu, Julie (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Audible indication
Pneumatic-type sound producer
C340S384100, C116S13700R, C116S138000, C116S1420FP, C116S14200R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06294984
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to an air-horn assembly and, more specifically, to an air-horn assembly that is adapted for use on motorcycles and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
The motorcycle remains a popular vehicle, not only as a mode of transportation, but also as a means to facilitate a lifestyle. Clubs and social groups have been organized for the purpose of planning trips, trading information, and enhancing the enjoyment that members derive from riding their motorcycles. Harley-Davidson motorcycles enjoy particular esteem among motorcycle enthusiasts and are often the bike of choice for many who favor such activities.
As the popularity of motorcycles has increased and spread, accessories for the motorcycle, usually available through the aftermarket, have become in high demand and proliferated. Many accessories serve to add comfort and convenience and to personalize a particular bike to its owner's taste.
One such accessory is an air horn. The air horn usually includes an air compressor and a horn connected to the compressor via an air-supply line. In the case of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, for example, the stock horn is mounted on the left side of the bike, from the rider's perspective, and between the V-shaped cylinders formed in the engine block. A stock horn-cover usually shields the stock automotive- type electric horn and related components. As it happens, there has been a demand by enthusiasts for air horns having different sounds, appearance, and presentation than the standard horns provided by the manufacturer. However, the air horns known in the related art have generally suffered from a number of disadvantages that, heretofore, have limited their use among motorcycling enthusiasts despite the inherent demand for them.
More specifically, the air horns known in the related art typically employ a flimsy plastic air-supply line or tube to convey pressurized air from the compressor to the horn. Due to its proximity to the engine, the plastic tube often melts, especially if brought into contact with the engine block. This ultimately leads to premature horn failure. Further, the flimsy plastic tube provides no support for the horn.
Many air horns available in the aftermarket are also difficult to mount to the motorcycle. More specifically, some require an adjustment of a strategic crank-case stud for mounting purposes. Some require that the mounting bracket and trumpet of the horn be angled upward to clear the shift linkage of some models. The appearance of such a cobbled-up system is undesirable and negatively effects the overall appearance of the motorcycle. Furthermore, some air horns known in the related art are designed in such a way that they will not fit motorcycles with lower fairings.
Additionally, the compressor on most air horns must be removed from its mountings to perform routine maintenance, such as oiling. The trumpet throat and sound diaphragm on the air horns available in the market today are unprotected from air-borne debris, such as stones, pebbles, and road particles. In the end, the air horns currently available in the related art are merely a collection of loose parts and fasteners that the motorcyclist must adapt to fit the bike in any way he/she can.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in an electro-pneumatic air-horn assembly. The air-horn assembly comprises a horn assembly, an electrically powered air-compressor assembly, a mounting bracket, and a rigid metal conduit. The horn assembly includes an elongated trumpet. The air-compressor assembly is adapted to provide air to the horn assembly. The mounting bracket is adapted to support the air-compressor assembly and the horn assembly and mount the air-horn assembly to a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes an upper portion operatively attached to the air-compressor assembly, a lower portion operatively attached to the horn assembly, and an elbow transition extending between the upper and lower portions. The rigid metal conduit extends between the air-compressor assembly and the horn assembly to provide fluid communication therebetween. The horn assembly, air-compressor assembly, mounting bracket, and conduit are pre-assembled and adapted to be mounted directly to the vehicle as a unit.
One advantage of the present invention is that the rigid metal conduit strengthens the overall assembly and will not melt, even when juxtaposed to the engine block.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the compressor assembly is adapted to receive maintenance, such as oiling, while mounted in place on the motorcycle.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the diaphragm and throat of the trumpet of the air-horn assembly are protected by an internal screen.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it may be easily mounted to the motorcycle. More specifically, the air-horn assembly of the present invention fits all Harley-Davidson models manufactured since 1992 having a stock horn mounted on the left side between the cylinders and fits other models with a slight addition of parts.
Still another advantage is that the air horn assembly of the present invention is an integrated unit that is supplied ready to be mounted to a motorcycle and operated.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Bliss McGlynn & Nolan, PC
Lieu Julie
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